Page 17 - MetalForming Magazine May 2022

Software for Manufacturing
AutoForm Enhances Its Software for Design
and Simulation of Tube-Forming Processes—
that provides the ability to monitor each stage with presets, including feasibility, formability and springback. And, it features an easy-to-use graphical user interface. Ansys: www.ansys.com
Notifications Add Effectiveness to ERP/MRP Systems
“Even with an ERP/MRP system in place, it might be difficult to keep tabs on inventory requirements, production
plans, and other important areas of the business,” reads a recent blog post at MRPeasy.com. A huge help here: low- stock alerts and other manufacturing and inventory notifications.
“Even though an ERP system is a huge step forward in inventory tracking and manufacturing management,” the blog continues, “without someone constantly checking the data in the software, things can sometimes be overlooked. For example, a new unforeseen task can be left unno- ticed, low inventory levels can be left unattended and the maintenance schedule of machinery disregarded.”
Software notifications provide the means to alert for low inventory levels, due dates, changes in the data and more.
“For example,” reads the blog, “when a portion of a raw material SKU is consumed so that its count drops below the reorder point, a message is sent to the inventory manager and/or any other person respon- sible for the replenishment of stock. This way, companies can minimize downtime caused by slow communication and become more efficient in the long run. But, not all ERP/MRP systems offer notifications. That means that in order to minimize the chances of overlooking some critical aspects of your business, you should make sure to choose one that supports them.”
Including Hot Forming
AutoForm Engineering GmbH announced the introduction of new functionality for its TubeXpert software, developed to sup- port tube bending, forming and hydro- forming processes. The new version features a new solver that includes new material laws, enhances contact between the tube and tooling, and provides improved meshing capability, say company representatives.
In addition, AutoForm TubeXpert now supports hot tube forming processes including hot metal gas forming, as well as direct and indirect hot tube forming processes. The enriched material library includes aluminum, stainless steel, man- ganese-boron steels and titanium alloys
applicable for hot forming.
AutoForm TubeXpert also allows for
flexible process designs, say company representatives, essential for expansion joints, bellows and tube-end forming. AutoForm: www.autoform.com
Improved Software Deskills Video Measuring, Improves Repeatability of Results
Nikon Metrology, Brighton, MI, has intro- duced version 13 of its AutoMeasure soft- ware, used to drive its NEXIV series of CNC video-measuring machines, with two new features that allow even novice operators to run the machines and compare inspection results automatically against CAD models.
First, the CNC video-measuring system requires the appropriate illumination con- ditions to correctly recognize the shape of the target under investigation, which can require a high level of skill. In AutoMea- sure version 13, the appropriate lighting conditions for the target shape are set automatically (see the accompanying photo), helping to deliver uniform, stable, repeatable measurement and data acqui- sition for quality control, whether on the
shop floor or in an inspection room. Second, the latest version of AutoMea- sure includes a navigation function that guides the operator during development of a new program in an easy-to-understand, interactive manner, standardizing the process from operator to operator and
promising to reduce programming time.
Nikon Metrology: www.nikonmetrology.com
Ansys Debuts Metal Stamping Simulation Software
Ansys has introduced its Ansys Forming all-in-one forming-simulation software, developed to enable metal formers to digitally design and validate every step of the sheet metal forming process. The software, say company officials, simulates all metal stamping tasks through an end- to-end workflow that significantly reduces the number of elements during simulation
and quickens solve time with smart adap- tivity capabilities that enables users to accurately refine the mesh. Die developers can then perform the entire die process in a single platform with the fastest solve time, and enhance productivity and cost savings by reducing die cuts and redesigns.
Powered by the LS-Dyna solver, Ansys Forming offers a comprehensive platform
14 MetalForming/May 2022
www.metalformingmagazine.com